Fast forward to today, five years after its previous album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones. It’s clear the band seeks to revive this bygone aesthetic.

Released on Friday, (((((ultraSOUND))))) adheres to The Neighbourhood’s established style. With soft beats, airy vocals and emphatic guitar and bass lines, each song embodies The Neighbourhood’s notorious soft-grunge sound and trademark brand of seaside melancholy.

(((((ultraSOUND))))) opens with the song “Hula Girl,” a standout track. The upbeat drums and beginning guitar riffs reel listeners in, artfully juxtaposed by the song’s hopeless and lovesick lyrics.

“Hula Girl” presents a clever metaphor for toxic romance and desire. The lyrics, “Dashboard hula girl, honey / Come and treat me like a crash-test dummy,” illustrate yearning for a girl who brings beauty and fun into the singer’s life, even if he ends up irreparably damaged by their connection.

The song exemplifies the album’s grandiose soundtrack feel. The band portrays a nostalgic and cinematic quality that would lend itself well to any gritty or moody teen drama.

The better part of (((((ultraSOUND))))) takes on a consistent tone. Tracks include copious references to unhealthy aspects of romantic relationships, and their production style is largely similar.

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Vocalist Jesse Rutherford’s whispery falsetto appears on every song, alongside atmospheric synth and substantial surf-rock influences. Prominent bass lines, percussion and guitar riffs round out each of them, bringing out the band’s signature moody sound.

The song “Planet” uses Rutherford’s vocals to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere. His voice is mixed with whispers and echoes of itself, which are layered atop an easy beat and fuzzy guitar that infuse the song with a hazy, ethereal feel.

Several upbeat tracks help break up the album, however, and keep it from feeling too monotonous. They let the album become something you can blast, windows down during a drive, without getting too blue.

The penultimate track, “Mute,” takes on a more cathartic and raw feel than the rest of the album, featuring upbeat instrumentals and repetitive lyrics.

While it starts relatively restrained, frustration and disarray break out in the chorus, culminating in an emotional climax that mirrors the lyrics’ rising passion. The steady drums and beat carry weight and energy to Rutherford’s vocals, and make the song especially memorable.

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“Stupid Boy,” the album’s final song, contains a similar build in intensity.

The bridge of the song lists out several juxtapositions: “And thе mascot and the icon / And the hero and the tyrant / And the rabbit and the python / And the anthem and the fight zone.” Each exclamation frantically builds until the final lines are screamed, communicating the unease of the speaker at the opposing elements of life.

It’s an abrupt and haunting end to the album, yet it fits. The escalation of the bridge feels like the emotional buildup of each preceding track, presenting the inevitable anger from the sadness and despondency of all the songs before.

Ultimately, (((((ultraSOUND))))) doesn’t reinvent The Neighbourhood. But it doesn’t have to. It refines what the band does best: romantic alt-pop steeped in glamorous sadness, nostalgia and West Coast cool.

The album is a familiar return rather than a total transformation, and that’s a large part of its appeal. It knows its lane and drives it well, right along the California coast.

To escape the winter woes, it can be tempting to throw on headphones and tune out the world. That’s where podcasts come in. You can listen to discussions about virtually anything in a variety of contexts and formats if your usual winter playlist isn’t helping the blues. 

Whether you need some extra motivation, perspective or escape from everyday life, these four podcasts will help carry you through your seasonal blues. 

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The Psychology of Your 20s

While many students aren’t fully into their 20s yet, this podcast discusses a variety of relatable topics they might encounter. New episodes, hosted by Australian author and mental health advocate Jemma Sbeg, drop every Tuesday and Friday. Sbeg’s content is fairly educational, but her relaxing cadence and thoughtful explanations give them a soothing factor. 

Episodes 60 and 64 deal with seasonal depression and feelings of loneliness, but the series also features other topics such as the science behind grudges, anxiety in relationships and emotional immaturity. Whatever you’re going through, this podcast can help contextualize and understand your experiences through psychology. 

anything goes with emma chamberlain

anything goes shows social media personality Emma Chamberlain at her most introspective. The way Chamberlain speaks creates a comforting space and evokes the feeling of a conversation with a good friend. 

One episode from November 2022 addresses Chamberlain’s experiences with seasonal depression and lack of motivation. Other topics she’s covered include debates, opinions and personal advice to her listeners. This podcast won Chamberlain the 2020 People’s Choice Award for best pop podcast.New episodes drop every Thursday and Sunday.

The Broski Report with Brittany Broski

From kombucha girl-turned-influencer Brittany Broski comes The Broski Report with Brittany Broski. This podcast is a complete smorgasbord — covering the host’s weekly obsessions and contemplations, which range from historyto celebrity culture, literature and music.

Episodes release weekly, normally on Tuesdays. Broski jumps from subject to subject in an arbitrary but enjoyable way. If you’re looking to laugh through your struggles this season, The Broski Report has what you’re looking for. 

[The Clarice’s Fall Big Band Showcase spotlights student jazz talent]

The A24 Podcast

The film studio behind Midsommar, Lady Bird and Everything Everywhere All At Once released its podcast in 2018 with a discussion between directors Greta Gerwig and Barry Jenkins. 

Each episode follows this formula, inviting celebrities to have conversations with prominent figures in the film industry. Hosts such as Andrew Garfield, Sofia Coppola and Pedro Pascal have appeared and spoken about childhood experiences, fame and future projects.

This podcast offers a glimpse into the realities of Hollywood, the film industry and experiences of the guests it features. Illuminating and engaging, The A24 Podcast will take you away from the lull of everyday life and onto the film sets and back lots of your favorite media.

Based on the Korean science fiction horror thriller, Save the Green Planet!, Lanthimos’ movie feels extremely well-timed, shining a spotlight on a society where conspiracy supplants truth and corporations consume the people they claim to serve.

Bugonia marks Stone’s fourth collaboration with Lanthimos, after 2018’s The Favourite, 2023’s Poor Things and 2024’s Kinds of Kindness. Stone’s performance in Poor Things earned the actor her second Oscar.

The film follows Plemons’ character, Teddy, a man tormented by personal trauma and delusion who becomes convinced Stone’s high-powered CEO Michelle is an alien infiltrating humanity for nefarious purposes. What begins as a bizarre thriller spins into an examination of corporate greed, exploitation and manipulation, all of which drive Teddy further into delirium.

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The film’s treatment of Teddy’s pain highlights its discussion of class disconnect, suggesting the elite, at least in the world of the movie, are so disconnected from the working class they may as well be aliens.

Plemons and Stone’s dynamic on screen is thrilling, with the two locked in a psychological standoff and constantly attempting to outmaneuver each other. Stone gives a compelling performance as Michelle, intelligent, resolved and chillingly detached, embodying corporate power with extreme precision.

Teddy is terrifying and tragic, a man whose rage and trauma are pushing him past reason. He’s layered with complexity and frustration: unhinged and volatile, yet heartbreakingly human. 

Their shared dynamic — one man’s enduring delusion against one woman’s insurmountable authority — triumphs.

Bugonia’s cinematography is extremely well-executed. It crafts beautiful shots, which perfectly encompass the disquieting world Lanthimos aims to create.

The film’s main spaces, Teddy’s home and Michelle’s pristine home and office, serve as visual reflections of the characters. Teddy’s home is mostly cluttered and unassuming, but his basement is grimy, cramped and distinctly utilitarian. Michelle’s spaces feel strategically curated, containing some elements of nature — but still being sparse and minimal — and ultimately feeling artificial.

Through it all, Lanthimos balances a persistent enforcement of his message alongside comedy. Though the film depicts fairly serious themes and subject matter, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In one particular scene, Michelle speaks to her assistant about her employees’ hours, saying she wants to discourage overworking and promote family time and relaxation but also encourages them to stay late to complete their work and meet their quotas.

The paradoxical dialogue of the scene, as well as Stone’s stellar acting, exemplifies the hypocrisy and pretension Michelle and her company demonstrate. They want to project an image of caring for their employees while lacking sincerity, keeping in line with the film’s recurring themes of facades, deception and exploitation.

[An ode to the plastic claw clip]

Ultimately, Bugonia depicts the desperate human need to believe in something, someone or any version of reality that allows us to rationalize our suffering and purpose. Bugonia confronts its audience with unwavering observations about complicity, conspiracy and contemporary society, forcing them to contemplate it long after they’ve left the theater.

Darkly hilarious, visually appealing and emotionally unsettling, Bugonia shows Lanthimos at his sharpest and most relevant. It’s not just a film to watch; it’s one to wrestle with.

Hernández, who performed at Colin Jost’s homecoming comedy show in 2022, returned to campus for a night of stand-up, storytelling and shared laughs. His set covered a variety of personal topics, from childhood shenanigans to the many differences between white and Latino people. He even touched on pressing issues like gender, mental health and friendship.

His announcement as the 2025 Homecoming Comedy headliner generated buzz among students at this university. Some recognized Hernández from NBC’s Saturday Night Live, where he has been a cast member since 2022.

“I just knew he was from SNL, and I watched the clips online,” Katerina Floros, a freshman chemistry major, said. “So I was like, that sounds pretty fun.”
Others, like Ava Cook, a freshman biology and biological sciences major, and Noah Oppelt, a freshman aerospace engineering major, added that while they don’t watch SNL regularly, they were super excited to see a cast member live.

For some, like Reed Thomas, the announcement felt especially meaningful.

“I was really excited, because my household, we watch SNL, so we love Marcello,” the freshman secondary English education major said.

Many recognized Hernández from one sketch in particular — the recurring “Domingo,” which first appeared in 2024. It quickly became an unbeatable pop culture sensation, according to Oppelt.

“I always see the Domingo clips, and it’s probably my favorite sketch right now,” said Floros.

Domingo’s viral success set the stage for Hernández’s live performance, where fans eagerly anticipated the same banter and charm he brought to the screen.

Before he took to the stage, Hernández had two openers, comedian Matt Richards and fellow Saturday Night Live cast member Tommy Brennan. Richards set the tone for the evening by poking fun at the chaotic events of 2025, keeping things playful and fun.

After Richards, Brennan performed a set that focused on growing up Catholic with many sisters.

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Hernández’s own set drew consistent audience engagement and laughs all around.

Siobhan Nunn, a freshman anthropology and English major, said Hernández particularly excelled at certain jokes.

“He was definitely poking fun at a lot of racial groups,” Nunn said. “I thought it was still nice that he was saying we could just all make fun of each other. ”

Some students applauded Hernández’s handling of jokes about sensitive topics like gender. Rather than relying on cheap shots or stereotypes, they felt his jokes were funny while staying respectful.

“Sometimes, male comedians, they’ll talk about women, and they’ll be kind of punching down,” Thomas said. “But a lot of his comedy about women was actually uplifting.”

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Students also praised Hernández’s comedic techniques, such as his dynamic movements, dramatic exclamations and use of repetition, which were interspersed throughout the set.

“When he’s on SNL, he does a lot of crazy body theatrics and stuff. And I love that he still did that here,” Nunn said.

As Hernández’s performance came to a close, students like Nunn appreciated his fresh energy and enthusiasm, and students like Thomas loved his cleverness and repetition.

Students still laughed as they repeated his jokes leaving Xfinity Center.

When asked if they’d see a set of his again, Thomas and Nunn’s answers were quick — “Oh yes, yes, 100 percent.”

From months of careful consideration, to late-night trips to the craft store and glitter in my hair until Thanksgiving, the holiday used to be an excess of effort.

Fast-forward to today, some costumes take the opposite approach with solid colors and basic pieces that subtly hint at the idea of a costume. A plain orange tee becomes a pumpkin, a white tank means you’re an angel. There’s no glitter or glue gun, just a simple suggestion.

Vedika Sharma, a freshman computer science and math major, noted the prevalence of this trend in the current Halloween scene.

“People just kind of got lazy. Either that or it’s a thing of trying to blend in with other people and people aren’t doing as creative costumes,” Sharma said.

There’s almost something Impressionist about this trend. Much like Claude Monet’s blurred landscapes or Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s hazy portraits, the “costumes” rely on implication. A single color or accessory gives just enough information to recognize the inspiration.

These costumes are not about transformation— they’re a visual shortcut. They evoke a concept, and the viewer fills in the rest.

“Those are cute, but they’re not really costumes,” Trinity Rosario, a freshman public policy major, said of the simple outfits.

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Part of the change may be cultural. In an age of fast fashion, social media and busy college schedules, it’s easy to pick convenience over craftsmanship. Many students are undoubtedly drawn to a low-effort look that still allows them to participate in the holiday, something photogenic but uncomplicated.

Michele Petrosino, a freshman hearing and speech sciences major, finds the easier costumes to be refreshing.

“I like them,” she said. “If it’s simple, then, you know, you’re saving money while also celebrating the holiday and having fun.”

Petrosino echoed how limited time and budgets prevent students from being able to hand-make or purchase an outfit they won’t wear often. Simpler costumes can take pressure off celebrating, allowing people to participate without a huge commitment.

For students balancing academic life and social plans, it’s a practical compromise.

Others believe that easy costumes detract from the spirit of the holiday.

“I think if you want to go out and really be part of the Halloween costume festivities, I don’t quite think that counts personally,” Rosario said.

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To students such as Rosario and Sharma, effort and individuality are part of the fun. Brainstorming a costume, curating a look and committing to a character all make Halloween feel like something bigger, and perhaps something close to the Halloween of our childhoods.

Today, social media plays a major role in shaping how people approach the holiday. The platforms showcase both extremes: viral hyper-detailed outfits and their minimalist counterparts.

It’s a reminder that platforms such as TikTok and Instagram dictate many elements of fashion for any and all occasions. For Halloween costumes, what was once driven by imagination and dedication is now shaped by algorithms.

Sharma said many students view social media as a mood board for outfit ideas.

“People go on social media to get inspiration for what they’re gonna wear, and different clothing trends on social media also influences what people wear for costumes,” she said.

Both sides of the debate still share the same goal: to enjoy the night, have fun and express themselves. Whether that means a last-minute combination of whatever is in your closet or the culmination of months of careful planning, the idea of “dressing up” for Halloween looks different for everyone.

With holiday traditions evolving into simple trends, it seems as if Halloween is losing its spirit and the excitement that came with the uniqueness of traditional costumes.

The answer, as Sharma puts it, may be more straightforward than it seems.

“Put a little creativity into it, you know?”

While apps like TikTok and Instagram can provide a dash of much-needed escapism during exam season, they rarely leave you feeling better. Instead, reading offers a quick break from studying without the inescapable vortex of scrolling. If you’re going to procrastinate, you might as well do something productive. 

Here are five books to pull you away from your phone and give your brain a break. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

If you’re missing the drama and chaos that comes with your feed, you’ll love this book. A true cornerstone of dark academic literature, Tartt’s 1992 inverted detective novel is an ideal read for all the moody fall vibes. 

Following a group of eccentric classics students at an elite Vermont university, the book examines their lives unraveling after a murder. Intriguing and unsettling, The Secret History is the perfect dose of mystery and suspense to get you through that chem exam.

Eve’s Hollywood by Eve Babitz

For anyone craving an escape from overcast skies and dull classroom interiors, consider a trip to the glitz and mystique of 1960s Los Angeles via Eve’s Hollywood. Babitz’ memoir captures a city carefree and alive through vivid, evocative prose.

From sandy days at the beach to the halls of Hollywood High, Babitz offers a world that’s part nostalgia and part sun-soaked reverie — the perfect getaway.

[Zara Larsson is fun, but dated on ‘Midnight Sun’]

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Ditch campus chaos for rugged trails and lush forests in A Walk in the Woods, Bryson’s narrative of life along the Appalachian Trail. It’s procrastination you won’t regret — the kind that comes with immersive storytelling instead of the repetitive lull of your TikTok for you page.

Bryson expertly captures the misadventures of hiking with wit, humor and contemplation, turning the trail itself into a story. Forget study guides and screens; this book offers views they never could. 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Adams takes readers on a whimsical voyage through distant planets, blending absurdity with entertainment and some oddly wise takes on the madness of existence in this iconic novel.

This book offers a world entirely unpredictable and endlessly enjoyable, the intergalactic shenanigans serving as the ultimate escape from day-to-day life. It’s a wild ride that only requires a sense of humor, a drive for adventure and, of course, a towel.

[UMD’s Fashion Business Association brings professionals to the runway]

Emma by Jane Austen

If your idea of fall romance exists in daydreams or nostalgic movies, Austen’s classic tale of the regency matchmaking is sure to satisfy the craving for fall feels. 

The story is equal parts comedy and personal insight, jam-packed with clever schemes, social faux pas and heartwarming resolutions. It perfectly captures the hopeless yearning feeling of fall. With flirtation, mischief and wisdom, Emma is the perfect book to read as the temperatures dip. If you’ve ever been a fan of Clueless, you’ll love its source material. 

This simple outfit proves fashion doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, yet lately, this trend has seemingly dominated the nightlife scene. It only begs the question: Is this a recession indicator?

The recent recession stems mostly from post-pandemic market disruptions, high inflation and interest rate hikes. Combined, these factors have lessened demand and slowed growth, leaving the economy somewhat unsteady.

The “recession indicators” meme generally refers to any pattern that hints at an imminent or present economic slowdown. Today, it seemingly encompasses every new or returning trend that rears its head.

While not every trend signals a recession, certain fashion choices can give insight into spending habits during a downturn. But today’s trends show this style is about more than just aesthetics — it reflects how we live and spend.

University of Maryland students discussed this trend, examining whether it’s out of vanity or necessity.

The rise of Labubu dolls arguably represents “recession-core” the strongest. These fuzzy plush keychains with mischievous faces are the best friends of celebrities, influencers and performative males alike.

Costing around $20-30, Labubus reflect the “lipstick effect,” the idea consumers will indulge in small purchases during challenging economic times, such as lipsticks — or in this case, Labubus — rather than big-ticket items.

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Sara Giver Olarte, a freshman chemical engineering major and owner of Wallace the Labubu, agreed the dolls can reflect economic behaviors but said her motivation was more personal.

“It’s the cuteness that drew me in,” she said. “It just makes me happy to look at [him].”

In any case, little luxuries like Labubus show how style can balance joy, self-expression and broader financial realities — all while fitting on a keychain.

As consumer prices has risen by around 24 percent in the last five years, according to a study by Bankrate, secondhand clothing has also surged in popularity. Thrift stores and online resale sites, including Depop, Poshmark and Vinted allow people to balance style and affordability.

“People don’t want to spend as much money on clothes anymore, so thrifting is a good option for them to go and get resale clothes,” said Nicole Akintola, a freshman public health science major.

Thrifting also offers shoppers a broader range of original choices, as many stores carry vintage or deadstock pieces unavailable elsewhere.

Akintola added social media influences the trend, showcasing these unique finds to a broader audience.

“When people see other creators thrifting, they want to go thrifting, even if they have money to buy designer things,” Akintola said.

Brands like Coach capitalized on these feelings, becoming a Gen Z staple in wardrobes everywhere thanks to several strategic marketing moves. Once a forgettable “mom brand,” their quality materials and reasonable retail costs, as well as extensive celebrity campaigns and redesigns, helped many see them as a smart investment and a great recession buy, reaching a cult-favorite status.

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While some students embrace a vintage, inexpensive look, others turn to faux-opulence.

Animal print recently made a comeback, with leopard and cheetah patterns leading the way. Its resurgence reflects the typical trend cycle but also evokes luxury and sophistication, especially in real fur-inspired prints, letting consumers embrace its glamour more ethically and affordably.

As a recession-era trend, animal print offers something neutral-toned, yet visually exciting, attainable and adaptable.

Aden Besefat, a junior public health science major, said animal print allows her to express individuality while staying within an adaptable wardrobe. Bold, personal and accessible, animal print thrives even during economic downturns.

“It’s definitely a statement piece,” Besefat said.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear these trends aren’t just phases. They’re here to stay.

As for Olarte, her Labubu is now a permanent fixture to her backpack.

“He’ll never go away,” Olarte said. “Wallace will be there to stay.”

Fans grew divided over which brother, Conrad or Jeremiah, was better for Belly, the main character. For its third and final season, the series needed to wrap up all of its plotlines and give its characters worthwhile endings all the while satisfying this massive audience. 

Unfortunately, it failed. The journey through the series beat the destination. 

Serious issues arise in Belly’s contradictory feelings towards the brothers. After Conrad diverted his flight to Brussels to meet her in Paris the previous episode, she questions his motives before dismissing her worries entirely to show him around the city. 

When the two then take a moonlit stroll and kiss after attending a party for Belly, where he gifted her a vial of sand from Cousins Beach, she admits she still hasn’t moved on from him. Hours later, she doubts — once again — Conrad’s feelings for her in a sudden shift that paints her character as erratic. This back and forth dynamic grew exhausting.

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After spending the entire season fawning over Jeremiah and alternating between ignoring or taking advantage of Conrad, their sudden relationship feels incredibly unbalanced. 

The show portrays the treatment of the person she supposedly loves abysmally. When Conrad suddenly accepts her after all of it, it’s heartbreaking.

Even though Belly’s audacity is on full display, the finale doesn’t drag. Scenes move quickly, emotional beats hit and intense moments are interspersed with moments of lightheartedness to keep the story flowing. 

This pacing made the finale bearable to watch despite the aggravating nature of its cast. The series’ music also aided the ambiance of the scenes without directly overshadowing them. 

Take Belly’s realization of her steadfast love for Conrad. Her mad dash through the streets of Paris is over-the-top and her love confession once she catches him is even more ridiculous. 

The story doesn’t linger on them but instead shifts to the other couples, providing some much-needed relief from Belly and her antics.

Despite this success, the other two couples featured in the finale — Jeremiah and Denise, and Taylor and Steven — failed to redeem the series’ romance element. With Jeremiah and Denise, their transformation from friends to more feels incredibly forced when every interaction between the two feels as if Denise is mothering him. 

It prompts questions about his sudden feelings for her. Does he actually like her, or is he trying to find a new mother figure now that Belly has left him?

Steven and Taylor suffer from a similarly lopsided dynamic to Belly and Conrad. Taylor, throughout the season, both encourages and deters Steven from pursuing other girls. Watching both couples, I couldn’t help but picture Steven and Denise together as their interactions appeared natural and effortless. 

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In a way, Denise, Steven and Conrad all displayed depth and maturity to balance the insanity of their relationships as essential voices of reason. 

Although the finale ties up everyone’s storylines, it leaves behind a lingering lack of fulfillment. There’s also a strange relief that summer is finally over, because at least fall doesn’t come with Belly and her drama. 

Ultimately, Cousins Beach is now closed. At least until the movie.